86 AIR CLASSICS/August 2022
WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT
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HELLDIVER AT YANKS
In-between the many other projects at Yanks Air Museum, Curtiss SB2C-3
Helldiver BuNo 19075/N4250Y is making slow but steady progress. This
particular aircraft has a long history with the “greats” of aircraft preservation at
Chino. The airframe was originally acquired by Ed Maloney from a movie studio
and trucked to The Air Museum’s new location at Ontario Airport in the early
1960s where it was put on outdoor display. In the late 1970s, the rare dive-
bomber was acquired from Ed by David Tallichet. In 1981, it was then purchased
by Charles Nichols for his new museum. Since then, work has been of a start
and stop nature. Helldiver components are very rare and the museum has made
numerous parts from scratch. Work is performed on the SB2C when other
higher priority projects such as the P-63 and F6F slow down.
Originally rescued by Ed Maloney from a movie studio, work on Yanks
Helldiver is progressing at a relatively sedate pace. The aircraft is
parked between many other projects. The wings on the hangar wall
are of interest since they are new old stock Naval Aircraft Factory
N3N-3 units and are in post-war markings. The N3N was the last
American military biplane in service.
HUNTER LOST
On 22 June, Hawker Hunter Mk 58 N337AX operated by Airborne Tactical
Advantage Company was destroyed when it plunged into the Atlantic off
Wilmington, North Carolina, after the pilot successfully ejected from the stricken
plane. The aircraft was being utilized in contracted military exercise support
flights at the time of the crash. Over the past few years, at least four Hunters
have been lost in similar activities.Hunter N337AX was being used for USN fleet support exercises when
it crashed in the Atlantic.RAPIDE ON ITS NOSE
On 19 June at the Duxford airshow in England, de Havilland DH.89A Rapide
HG691/G-AIYR went on its nose while landing. The aircraft entered Royal Air
Force service in 1943 and was sold surplus in 1946. It went through a number
of owners and is currently being operated on pleasure flights at Duxford, giving
hundreds of the enthusiasts a chance to ride in a vintage airliner. On 9 July 2005,
the same aircraft caught fire at Duxford while preparing to load passengers. As
normal, the port engine was left running but when the starboard was started
flames were seen leaping from the exhaust. The pilot shut down both engines
and evacuated the aircraft. Fire took hold on the bottom right wing which was
mainly consumed before the fire was put out. An accident investgation found
both engines to be in good order. In the 1950s, many Rapides were used by
small airlines and there were a number of similar start-up fires. De Havilland
issued maintenance instructions and an engine modification, which had been
embodied on G-AIYR. After the fire, the wing was repaired and the aircraft was
soon back in the air.The Rapide on its nose.Rides in the Rapide are
extremely popular at Duxford.